Death of Bernard Kenny, hero who tried to save West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox

Bernard Kenny.

Published:22:16Monday 14 August 2017

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Bernard Kenny, the heroic passer-by who was stabbed while trying to prevent the murder of West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox, has died.

The 79-year-old former miner’s death was confirmed tonight by his son, Phil Kenny.

He is reported to have been suffering from cancer.

Mr Kenny was stabbed in the chest as he courageously tried to go to the aid of Mrs Cox during the attack in Birstall that claimed her life in June last year.

A victim statement read on his behalf as Mrs Cox’s killer, Thomas Mair, stood trial said: “What you did to me that Thursday afternoon not only threatened my life but changed me as a person and all those around me.”

Mr Kenny was awarded the George Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He worked as a miner for 40 years and was a former member of the Gomersal Mines Rescue team which tried to save victims of the Lofthouse pit disaster in 1973.